Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The site lies on gently sloping arable farmland above the N bank of the River Tyne. The area is dominated by the presence of Traprain Law some 1.5km to the S. The enclosure is defined by a single narrow ditch or possibly a palisade trench some 1-2m wide. The enclosure appears to have been square but the E side is not visible on the available photographs. It has overall dimensions of approximately 60m N-S by 60m with an entrance situated in the centre of the W side.

Rectangular and square enclosures of this kind are commonly interpreted as representing native settlements built in the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. Traprain Law appears to be the focus for a dense distribution of these sites and the present monument belongs to this wider group.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is circular with a diameter of 160m as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of settlement organisation and economy in the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. The importance of the monument is greatly enhanced by its association with the wider range of monuments in the area around Traprain Law.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 NE 33.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland